Skyscraper race raises money for clean air efforts

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SALT LAKE CITY -- More than one hundred firefighters from as far away as Panguitch joined other volunteers and climbed the stairs of a skyscraper repeatedly to raise money for the American Lung Association.

Participants in the 8th annual Fight for Air Climb braved the long flights of stairs leading up the Wells Fargo Center, and they made the journey multiple times—some while packing 60 pounds of gear on their backs. Teams of participants used the event as a fitness target or raced against other people and teams.

About 450-500 people participated in the event, which benefits several local health programs. Glenn Lanham is the executive director of the American Lung Association in Utah, and he said the cause is one that impacts everyone.

“Our slogan is fighting for air,” he said. “It's a national message for the lung association. We always say here, especially here in the valley, the clean air fight is something everybody can, I think, appreciate and relate to.”

Some of the participants journeyed up the 24 flights of stairs at least 42 times, which eclipsed the record of 41 times set at this event last year.